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Joe Maddon Thanks Rays Fans, Organization In Tampa Newspaper Ad

(CBS) New Cubs manager Joe Maddon built his reputation and came to notoriety in his nine seasons leading the Rays, and on his way out, he's made a point to let their fans and organization know how much they meant to him.

Maddon took out a half-page ad in the Tampa Bay Times on Friday that thanked the Rays and their fans for everything that they did for him and how much he enjoyed his time in Tampa.

The message read:

"From Joe and Jaye Maddon,

THANK YOU

to the Tampa Bay community for making your home, our home;

to everyone who has helped make "Thanksmas" a success and to those who will help us continue to grow it;

to the Rays players for your hard work, belief and commitment to creating and maintaining a positive culture that will endure;

to the Rays coaching, training, and front office staffs that are second to none;

to Stu Sternberg, Matt Silverman, Andrew Friedman and the Rays ownership group for permitting me to grow and evolve as a manager;

But most of all...

THANK YOU

to the Rays fans for their consistent loyalty and energy which allowed me to flourish on a daily basis."

Maddon led the Rays to four playoff appearances in his seasons in charge, including a run to the 2008 World Series.

Check out the ad below.

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